Referral process

Our department is using Consultmed to manage referrals. The Consultmed platform allows health professionals to send e-referrals to us securely.

For a child to be admitted to Bear Cottage they must be under 18 years and have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. By life-limiting we mean, that the child will not survive into their adult years. 

Referrals can be made by anyone involved with the child and family, including medical officers, community nurses, social workers or the family themselves.

Consultmed questions and technical support: helpdesk@consultmed.com or SCHN-bearcottage@health.nsw.gov.au 

Consultmed for clinicians and families

Ante-natal/peri-natal referral process

Families are able to be referred to our services prior to the birth of their child if they receive an ante-natal diagnosis. We also accept stillbirth referrals to provide after death care.

For all ante-natal/peri-natal referrals,

  • Medical officers, please complete the referral form on either ConsultMed or here.
  • Healthcare professionals (ie midwives, social workers), please complete the referral form here.

Priority admission

Admissions will be given priority according to the following criteria:

  • End-of-life/after death care - where death is imminent and expected to occur at Bear Cottage or transfer of a child to Bear Cottage post death for extended family support
  • Emergency admission for symptom management
  • Respite care – emergency
  • Respite care - booked